New EmployeeScreenIQ White Paper Reveals 5 Ways Employers Should React To Surge of Marijuana Legalization

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Jul 16, 2015, 08:35 ET

CLEVELAND, July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Given that 23 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana use in some form so far, the question arises: How should employers adjust their drug policies if the medicinal or recreational use of marijuana is permitted in their state or locality, or even nationally?

A new white paper, "Marijuana Legalization: Why It's High Time You Reviewed Your Company's Drug Policy," from EmployeeScreenIQ examines the rise of marijuana legalization and its implication for employers. It details recommendations regarding drug-free workplace and substance abuse policies, drug testing policies and important legal ramifications in light of the new legislation. The paper can be downloaded here: http://content.employeescreen.com/marijuana-drug-testing-background-screening

"Marijuana legalization does nothing to take away from the many good reasons for drug policies, and courts have generally ruled employers may fire workers for legally using marijuana, even off-duty and if medically prescribed," says Angela Preston, EmployeeScreenIQ's vice president of compliance. "Still, if organizations don't ensure their policies are enforced fairly and consistently, they can get into legal trouble and cause problems with prospective employees. As a result, it's important they follow our five recommendations."

The white paper provides the latest data and trends regarding marijuana legalization—including the correlation of legalized recreational marijuana with increased use of the drug—and reviews high-profile legal cases that show how the courts have supported employers' right to enforce workplace marijuana policies.

According to findings from EmployeeScreenIQ's Sixth Annual Survey of U.S. Employers, a slight majority of employers do appear set to follow the recommendation to keep enforcing their drug policies if marijuana is legalized. Fifty-four percent said they planned to keep their policies if pot became legal, although 12 percent of the more than 500 employers surveyed reported that they would ignore positive tests for marijuana, while 2 percent said they would discontinue their drug testing programs. Meanwhile, 20 percent reported that they didn't have a drug testing program.

About EmployeeScreenIQ

EmployeeScreenIQ helps employers make smart hiring decisions. The company achieves this through a comprehensive suite of employment background screening services including the industry's most thorough and accurate criminal background checks, resume verification services and substance abuse screening. EmployeeScreenIQ is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), a distinction earned by less than two percent of all employment screening companies. For more information, visit http://www.EmployeeScreen.com.

Contact:
Nick Fishman
800-235-3954 x441

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SOURCE EmployeeScreenIQ